3 min readAfter years of back pain from over-stuffing crossbody bags, I’ve officially switched to the backpack team. It’s so much kinder on your spine to have two shoulders bearing the weight. My Fjallraven backpack has been a godsend for my daily commute, but I’ve yet to find the perfect travel backpack. With a summer of travel ahead, I decided to give the Béis Travel Backpack a try. I was a bit skeptical at first—I knew Béis luggage looked pretty, but wasn’t confident that it’d hold up to being thrown around and my overpacking. Boy, was I wrong.
This backpack is dutifully organized and capacious. It’s my new go-to personal item, whether it’s for long weekends in Maine or a two-week trip overseas. Below, find everything you need to know about the backpack, including why I fell in love with it.
Quick Verdict
Rating: 4.5/5
Best for: Anyone who travels frequently and values style and organization
Not ideal for: Heavy packers who need to carry things for more than one person
Price at review: $118
Bottom line: This has been the biggest upgrade to my personal item game. I wouldn’t want to subject it to the chaos (and dirt) of a New York City commute, but it’s perfect for long-haul travel.
Overview and Features
There’s a pocket for everything inside the Béis Travel Backpack, and it’s designed to take the organization of your favorite carry-on suitcase and make it easier to carry. It’s larger than the sleek Commuter Backpack, but smaller than the Expandable Backpack. The dimensions are 13" W x 19" H x 5.5" D, which is pretty much the largest it could be, and you can still tuck it under the seat in front of you.
It comes in six colors, though three are sadly sold out at the moment. Béis pieces are known for their style, and this backpack is no exception. The two water bottle pockets, trim, and handle all have a chic, leathery finish, so this doesn’t feel like a touristy backpack. It’s sleek enough to hit the streets with you as soon as you land.
How Much Can the Béis Travel Backpack Hold?
The Béis Travel Backpack is more of a personal item than a full-fledged carry-on. But don’t underestimate its capacity. I was impressed by how much the front pocket can hold, and designated it my “quick-access” section. I can easily grab my wallet and my dopp kit full of in-flight refresh essentials, even when I don’t have much wiggle room in a window seat area.
The main compartment can really be packed to my heart’s content. It opens flat like a suitcase for easy-to-see organization. Unlike other backpacks, you don’t have to fumble around and dig for stuff that ends up at the bottom. This backpack has elastic buckle straps to hold my clothes or blankets in place. I like to travel with my PJs, so I love that I can strap those down and then pack everything else on top with no problem.
Is It Comfortable to Carry?
The backpack itself is super lightweight, which is a must when you’re lugging it through a long and winding terminal. The sleeves are padded around the shoulders, and I find that I could wear the bag all day without much issue, even when it’s packed to the brim. Crossbody bags tend to dig into one shoulder, but the weight on this backpack is very evenly distributed.
Pros and Cons
I use a Fjallraven Backpack for everyday commuting, but for flights and trips, the Béis Travel Backpack will be my new go-to. It’s easy to organize, and lightweight enough that long layovers fly by in no time. And I love that it’s stylish enough to follow me around on new city adventures.
Pros
- Trolley sleeve on the back for easy stacking on a rolling carry-on
- Waterproof interior pockets for any toiletries
- Chic leathery detailing
- Full-zip opening for easy organization
- Spacious front pocket for quick-access items
Cons
- All of the non-neutral colors are sold out
- Water bottle pockets are a bit slim
The Verdict: Is It Worth Buying?
Yes, especially if you’re a frequent flier. At $118, it’s more expensive than some of the budget travel backpacks we’ve tested, but it is built to last. It’s a balance between effective and chic, and an especially good bag if you travel frequently for work. The Béis Travel Backpack leaves you hands-free to handle anything that comes your way on your route, and I feel like the most stylish person in the terminal at the same time.
